How to Remove a Loaded Spring Door Hinge

Written by emily patterson| 13/05/2017

Spring-loaded door hinges are often located on exterior doors for convenience. (green door image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com)

Spring-loaded door hinges use a tension mechanism to close a door without pushing the door shut manually. The tension on the hinge makes it difficult and dangerous to remove, considering that the tension will cause it to snap closed after removing one side of the hinge.

Reduce tension in the hinge with the hinge adjustment tool. If you do not have a hinge adjustment tool, the hinge pin inside the unit is a flat head, a Phillips head or a hex head. Try to locate a substitute tool that fits. Reduce the tension by turning the tension pin counterclockwise.

Remove screws that hold the hinge to the frame of the door with a screwdriver or drill with screwdriver bit. Remove the last screw slowly and remember to keep your fingers away from the hinge to prevent injury.

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for each spring-loaded door hinge.

Place the door on a solid work surface.

Insert a small screwdriver between the hinge plates to pry the hinge open.

Attach a pair of vice grips to the frame side of the hinge.

Remove the screws that hold the hinge to the door while holding the hinge open with the vice grips. Use caution on the last screw because the hinge will slam shut against the other side–keep your fingers away from the hinge.

Repeat Steps 5 through 7 for each spring-loaded hinge.

Warning

Keep fingers away from the hinge while removing it to prevent serious injury.

Tips and warnings

Keep fingers away from the hinge while removing it to prevent serious injury.